Actually, creating a website is pretty easy. Implementing online and blended instruction is quite intimidating. For that reason I’m going to help you with your first online lesson using Google Docs. It’s about 8-million times easier than you think.

Google is more than just a crappy web browser.

Let’s look at some ELA Common Core Objectives that this simple Google Docs assignment could cover.

W.9-10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

W.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Of course you can choose to focus on any objective you think is necessary by simply tweaking the assignment.

Prepare the assignment.

If you are prepared, you shall not fear using Google Docs in the classroom.

Set up a Google account. I understand that Google is taking over the world and you can resist. But it’s futile. Just sign up for a Google account. If you’re not sure how to do it, simply Google it.